What Is an Open Mic and How to Participate: A Complete Guide

An open mic — short for open microphone — is a type of event where anyone can take the stage and share their creative work. No audition, no jury, no experience required. At Poet Not Dead in Bali, the open mic takes place once a month, entry is free, and the stage welcomes poetry, music, dance, theatre, prose, standup, and any other form of creative expression. If you have something to say, this is the place to say it.

How an Open Mic Differs from a Concert or Competition

People often confuse open mic with a concert or a creative competition. The difference is fundamental. A concert has pre-selected performers and a fixed programme — there is a clear boundary between the stage and the audience. A competition has winners and losers — judgement is always present in some form.

An open mic works differently. There is no boundary between stage and audience, because every listener is a potential performer and every performer creates space for others. There is no judgement, no jury, no winners or losers. There are only people who take the stage and people who listen. And this exchange — live, unfiltered, reciprocal — is the most important thing that happens during the evening.

To make it concrete:

• Concert: pre-selected performers, fixed programme, often paid entry
• Competition: audition, jury, scoring, winner and runner-up
• Open mic: anyone can perform, no judging, free entry, all formats welcome

Poet Not Dead holds to the philosophy of open mic in its purest form: the stage belongs to everyone who shows up. A professional musician and someone reading their first poem in their life stand here as equals.

How the Poet Not Dead Evening Is Structured

A Poet Not Dead evening in Bali consists of two parts. The first is the main programme — performances by invited artists, each given around 20 to 30 minutes. The second is the open mic itself, where every participant receives up to 5 to 10 minutes on stage.

Performances on the open mic are not rehearsed in advance and are not evaluated. There is no correct or incorrect art — only yours, and a space ready to receive it. This is what makes the open mic such a powerful place for a first performance: the absence of judgement removes the paralysis that usually comes with it.

How to Participate in Poet Not Dead Open Mic: 5 Steps

Participating is simpler than it seems. Here is everything you need to know.

Step 1. Follow the announcements

Upcoming event dates, venue addresses, and evening themes are published on Telegram @poetnotdead and at poetnotdead.com. Check there before each event.

Step 2. Come to the venue

No registration required. Entry is free. Come to the event, take in the atmosphere, watch other performers.

Step 3. Take a seat near the stage

If you want to perform on the open mic, simply take a seat on the cushions or chairs near the stage and wait for your turn. No advance sign-up needed. To perform in the main programme, contact the organisers in advance via Telegram.

Step 4. Take the stage when you are ready

The organisers will announce the start of the open mic. Your turn — a few minutes that belong entirely to you. You can read, sing, dance, play, speak — the format is yours to choose.

Step 5. Stay and support others

The open mic lives through applause and attentive listeners. Stay for the evening, hear others, be part of the atmosphere. That too is full participation.

What to Bring and How to Prepare: Answers to Common Questions

One of the most common questions is what to bring. The answer: only yourself and your creative work. Poet Not Dead provides basic sound equipment and a microphone. If you play a special instrument, bring it with you.

Other frequently asked questions:

• Do I need to register? No. Just come and take a seat near the stage. For the main programme — contact @poetnotdead on Telegram in advance.
• How much time do I get on stage? Open mic slots are up to 5–10 minutes. Main programme artists get around 20–30 minutes.
• Are there age restrictions? No. Everyone is welcome, though some performances may contain adult content.
• Can I come just as an audience member? Yes. Performing is not required. Audience members play an important role in supporting artists.
• Is entry paid? No. Entry and participation are completely free.

Why an Open Mic in Bali Is a Particular Experience

Bali has long attracted creative people from around the world. Musicians, poets, visual artists, dancers — the island draws those who need space to create and be heard. This makes the Poet Not Dead open mic in Bali something more than a regular event.

Russian-speaking expats living on the island find here a community where they can perform in their native language and feel understood. Travellers passing through discover a stage for a first performance, without the fear of making mistakes. Professional artists find a live audience without a fee.

Poet Not Dead believes that creativity is not a privilege of the few but an inseparable part of every human being. The open mic in Bali is the most direct proof of that idea in action.

Come to the Next Poet Not Dead Open Mic

The open mic is the only place where nothing needs to be proved and nothing needs to be feared. No evaluation, no audition, no ticket. Only you, the stage, and whatever lives inside you.

Follow upcoming events at poetnotdead.com and join Telegram at @poetnotdead. The next event is waiting for you.